Father of 3 slain children thanks locals

Larelie, 5, Anais, 2, and Loic Desautels, 4, are shown in a family photo released on Monday December 3, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/

The father of three slain Quebec children has thanked the small community where he resides for their support.

Patrick Desautels met with media this afternoon and delivered a statement that lasted less than a minute.

His three kids were found dead on Sunday at their mother's home under what police are calling suspicious circumstances.

Police have not yet confirmed how the three children, Lorelie, 5, Anais, 2 and their brother, Loic, 4, died.

Speaking at a restaurant in Ste-Christine, Desautels said his family is devastated as it makes plans to lay the children to rest.

Desautels said he could say no more due to the ongoing police investigation.

''I'd like to thank everyone who have banded together to help us, myself and my family, in this terrible ordeal," Desautels said, reading from the prepared statement. "The pain we are experiencing is inexplicable."

A funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon at St-Andre's Church in Acton Vale. An official at the church confirmed the date and time.

Meanwhile, provincial police said there was little more to report on Tuesday. Investigators were still waiting to meet with the children's 33-year-old mother, who is stable in hospital.

Police continued to call her an 'important witness' who might be able to clear up what happened inside the top floor unit on Sunday.

"We're still waiting for the green light to meet with her," said Sgt. Claude Denis.